Who will be next Chief Secretary of Odisha? A look at frontrunners

With incumbent Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena’s extended tenure ending on June 30, the newly-formed BJP government is expected to appoint a new Chief Secretary soon. Though many senior officials are in the race for the coveted post, speculation is rife that an Odia official may be given the responsibility.

Jena's tenure ended last December. However, considering the 2024 General Elections, the then BJD government extended his tenure. As the government in the State has been changed after 24 long years, it is not yet clear whether Jena will get further extension.

Under this circumstance, 1991-batch IAS officer and current Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu and Development Commissioner Anu Garg are reportedly leading the race to replace Jena at the helm of the State bureaucracy. The current Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, Nikunja Bihari Dhal has also emerged as another frontrunner in the race.

Meanwhile, according to former administrative officials, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasized upon Odia ‘asmita’ (pride) before the election, another Odia official may be appointed as the Chief Secretary if Jena doesn’t get further extension.

“Had they wanted an extension, they would have written about it to the government of India. Chief Secretary is the selection of the Chief Minister as he will rely on him. Anu Garg is in the post of Development Commissioner and Satyabrata Sahu is working as Additional Chief Secretary. Though both are equal in rank, Sahu may be preferred taking Odia ‘asmita’ into account,” said former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo.

According to political analysts, the newly formed BJP government is currently taking stock of the administrative system in the State. There might be elaborate changes in the whole system. Speculation is also rife that an Odia official may also be appointed as the Chief Advisor of the Chief Minister. Former Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra, Pradipta Mohapatra and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Girish Murmu are the frontrunners for the post.

Many political analysts are of the opinion that the BJP government is committed to end the dominance of bureaucracy on governance as it was the norm during the Naveen Patnaik government. Hence, decisions will be taken by the newly formed BJP government accordingly.

“I think the new Chief Minister Mohan Majhi must be meticulously considering the name of the officials for the post of new Chief Secretary taking Odia ‘asmita’ factor into account. If a decision in this regard will not be taken soon that means there will be an extension,” said political analyst Rabi Das.

During 24 years of BJD governance, former Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra’s tenure was extended for one year in two phases following his superannuation. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Mohan Majhi government will further extend the tenure of Jena or not.